5 Ways to Experience Fall in Charleston

^{Above: The bald cypresses in Cougar Mall are some of the few trees to provide evidence of autumn in Charleston, South Carolina.}

You may have heard people say that Charleston “doesn’t have seasons.” But – while it’s true that our winters are mild, our springs are short, our summers are long and our autumns are unpredictable – when the humidity lifts, the temperatures fall and the air is crisp, we know fall has finally arrived.

We might not have the most colorful fall foliage, but – with all the fall activities and events at this time of year – fall in Charleston is distinctive in its own right.

Below are our Top 5 quintessentially Charleston ways to enjoy fall in and around the Lowcountry.

Take a Ghost Tour

Just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean the ghosts of Charleston have vanished! This is the perfect time of year to tour the city and learn about the spirits that haunt it! There are plenty of guided tours of Charleston’s historic district and cemeteries to choose from – all with spooky stories and frightful folklore that will to make you see the city in a whole new light. And, if you’re brave enough to go it alone, you can always take a self-guided tour of the ghostly haunts right here on campus!

Visit Cypress Gardens

It might be best known for Halloween in the Swamp, but Cypress Gardens has a lot to offer throughout the season. Not only is it one of few places nearby that you can see the colors changing in the trees, but it celebrates the season with torch-lit boats, fall plant sales and more. Since 1932, the destination has been attracting people from all over who want to get outside, experience nature, and explore the butterfly house, gardens, trails and swamps.

Attend an Oyster Roast

There is nothing more Lowcountry than going to an oyster roast. There are several public oyster roasts held throughout the area at this time of year, but our favorite, of course, is our very own! Capping off Homecoming Weekend, this year’s College of Charleston “Cistern on the Half Shell” Oyster Roast will be held from 7–10 p.m. on Nov. 17 in the Cistern Yard, and will include live music, whole hog barbecue, chili and hot dogs under the oaks. While oyster roasts are held throughout the winter, too, nothing says fall like standing around a table of steaming hot oysters with an oyster knife and a pack of Saltines for the first time each season!

Go to the Coastal Carolina Fair

The Coastal Carolina Fair has been a fall favorite ever since it came to Charleston in 1922. It town through Nov. 10, 2024, the fair offers everything from the Scrambler and Tilt-a-Whirl rides, to the tractor driving and fiddling competitions; from the musical and dance performances, to the animal and agriculture exhibits; and from the funnel cake and turkey leg stands, to the art and fashion shows. Bonus: The fair raises funds for over 60 local organizations. And you can’t get any more Charleston than giving back to the community!

Cheer on the Cougars

Perhaps what we all look forward to the most about fall: the start of the Cougars basketball season! With a new head coach at the helm, this season is going to be more exciting than ever. The men’s basketball team just revealed the season’s promotional schedule; there will be new in-venue cryo cannons, interactive theme nights, engaging in-venue video board productions and exciting halftime performances! There’s a reason this is the second consecutive season of season ticket sellouts! The first home game in TD Arena tips off against University of South Florida at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Go Cougs!